Running has several benefits that people of all ages can enjoy.
For aging women, however, running in their golden years may come with several challenges, such as hip, knee, and back pains.
In your 50s and over, having the right pair of running shoes is vital to make the hobby safe.
Keep your mileage up in a healthy and pain-free way by wearing shoes with the right amount of support and cushioning.
Find reprieve for those aging feet by narrowing down your running shoe choices. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best running shoes for women over 50.
Best Running Shoes for Women Over 50 Reviews
1. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10
The Fresh Foam 1080 V10 provides unmatched comfort and supreme cutting-edge design.
The shoe’s midsole strikes a perfect balance between softness and rebound, separating it from its older versions.
Review
The Fresh Foam Series offers 360 degrees of cushioning with its Ultra Heel and a soft-fitting upper cover.
Experience the thrill of running like you are in your 30s again with this shoe.
- Cushioning Technology
The demand for proper cushioning to absorb impact while running is increasing for aging runners.
Luckily, New Balance’s 1080 V10 targets those concerns through its Fresh Foam technology.
The full length of the shoe is expertly crafted with Fresh Foam cushioning, relieving stress in the hips, knees, and ankles.
Since this technology helps absorb impact seamlessly, you can go running for miles with adequate support.
Fresh Foam is a revolutionary advancement in shoe material that pads high-impact foot strikes when running on roads, courts, tracks, and fields.
It was specifically created to address the concerns of real athletes through 3D pressure mapping and force application data.
- Shoe Weight
Because the New Balance 1080 V10 provides support throughout the entirety of its midsole, you would think it will sacrifice weight.
However, you will be surprised to know that this shoe is one of the lightest in the market, weighing only 8.4 ounces per shoe.
New Balance’s technology has struck two birds with one stone by providing unparalleled cushioning and a lightweight shoe.
- Overall Comfort
One can’t simply talk about comfort and not consider the shoe’s toe box.
The New Balance 1080 V10 provides the runner ample room for the toes to keep their feet abrasion and sore-free.
Worry about constricting seams no longer, as this shoe can cater to people with wide feet or bunion sufferers.
The beautifully constructed mesh upper, easy-going cushioning, and unhindered toe box make up a shoe with excellent support and arch preservation.
Pros:
- Wide toe box
- Lightweight
- Ultra-comfort cushioning
- Breathable mesh upper
- Updated sleek design
- For paved paths and indoor tracks
Cons:
- Quite loose heel design
- Restriction on terrains
2. Saucony Triumph ISO 5
Saucony’s Triumph ISO 5 boasts an ISOFIT technology that perfectly hugs your feet in the right places.
With this shoe on, every run will feel like you’re walking on clouds.
This revolutionary fit system allows for a more custom feel as it morphs according to the shape and motion of your feet.
This is made possible by a soft inner sleeve and floating support cage.
Review
With ISOFIT technology and a breathable mesh upper, this shoe is here to help you fly by the miles while conquering the hottest of runs.
This brightly designed shoe provides the user with a bounce like no other with an exceptional level of cushioning.
It also has features that decrease pain in the hips and ankles.
- Cushioning Technology
Saucony’s Triumph ISO 5 has customized impact support on both the inside and outside of the shoe.
Inside, the EVERUN technology runs in the entire midsole and helps the user preserve energy as it requires minimal effort in every step.
A lively, resilient ride throughout your run is made possible through this technology.
Outside, this shoe’s outsole can absorb impact against any pathway efficiently. The shoe catapults you forward in every stride, making running fun and enjoyable.
The Triumph ISO 5 has a cloud-like cushioning like no other. It can provide excellent impact support with its well-fitted insole.
- Shoe Weight
Because this pair has such plush cushioning and a thick outer design, it is a little heavier than other running shoes.
The Triumph ISO 5 weighs 11.5 ounces per shoe.
It is important to note, however, that the weight of the runner also plays an important role in choosing the shoe they are going to wear.
Runners who fall on the heavier side have an increased chance of injury when wearing lightweight shoes.
Each person’s build is different, so go ahead and explore what feels right for you.
- Overall Comfort
The design of the Triumph ISO 5 is not for everybody.
A lot of reviews say their usual size tends to run a little small, which may largely be because of the slim toe box.
Triumph ISO 5’s toe box might not be for people with wider feet as the skin may rub against the inner part of the shoe and cause corns or calluses.
While finding your fit may be challenging, you can opt to size up for a better match.
These shoes are understandably more cushioned, so the extra plush might have taken up more space in the shoe.
That said, it is important to note that the Triumph ISO 5 offers high arch support.
As such, it is a good option for people who suffer from under pronation/supination.
Overall, this shoe remains a great option if sized right.
Pros:
- Ultra-plush cushioning
- Breathable mesh upper
- Great for outdoor and light trails
- Good rebound for sprints
Cons:
- Slim toe box
- Slightly heavy
- Tricky sizing
3. Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe
If you support companies that keep their products earth-friendly, then the Brooks Ghost 14 is a good match for you.
The Ghost 14 is Brooks’ first carbon-neutral shoe.
Because most of the shoe’s upper materials are made with a minimum of 30% recycled content, its production has reduced carbon emissions.
Review
With an advantage in cushioning technology for a smooth glide from start to finish, the Ghost 14 is one of Brooks’ most-loved shoes.
- Cushioning Technology
Fun fact: Brooks has four categories by which they divide their footwear collection. The kicks they create can fall under Cushion, Energize, Speed, or Connect.
The Ghost 14 belongs to the Cushion category, which means having a pair will give you maximum cushioning.
This support level offers massive impact absorption, which is why it is sure to please people of all ages, especially the older ones.
Brooks has two technologies that work seamlessly together: BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft.
The BioMoGo DNA provides dynamic cushioning to help in a runner’s personal stride, speed, and weight due to its adaptive EVA foam midsole.
The DNA LOFT cushioning gives you a softness and flexibility you won’t find anywhere else.
This results in a good bounce and lightweight absorption during your entire run.
- Shoe Weight
At nine ounces per shoe, the Ghost 14 is considered a lightweight running shoe.
It is interesting to know how this shoe can provide maximum cushioning while maintaining a sturdy tread.
- Overall Comfort
A spacious toe box made of mesh is most certainly welcome in anybody’s shoe collection, as it allows for a more accommodating interior.
That said, this kind of shoe will fit those with wider feet and sufferers of bunions the best.
The Ghost 14’s outsole has a unique grooved pattern that is entirely theirs. This pattern paves the way for more flexible control over every step.
Pros:
- Padded heel
- Breathable mesh upper
- Lightweight
- Spacious toe box
Con:
- Not affordable
4. Asics Gel-Venture 8
What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with running shoes designed for it?
Asics’ Gel-Venture 8 is a wise choice for several terrains. They are quite versatile and can be worn on trail runs, light hiking, and city explorations, among others.
Review
With its updated forefoot fit, the Asics Gel-Venture 8 reduces the amount of overlays around the foot without compromising durability.
The shoe also has a strengthened outsole due to re-engineered lugs beneath the heel.
- Cushioning Technology
If your primary concern resides on the heels of your foot, worry no further. The Asics Gel-Venture 8 has a cushioned structure that aims to alleviate heel strains.
If your steps usually fall heavy on the back of your foot, this shoe is the right match for you.
These kicks provide medium cushioning with its lightweight power combination of gel and EVA foam midsole. Plus, the heel counter helps in impact absorption.
EVA foam is a great alternative to traditional midsole and outsole materials, such as leather and rubber.
That’s because it provides excellent shock absorption during walks and runs. It is also more comfortable.
- Shoe Weight
The Asics Gel-Venture 8 does not run too heavy. In fact, it still ranks as a durable, lightweight shoe at around eight to 8.9 ounces per shoe.
- Overall Comfort
If you have long, slim, and elongated feet, this is the right Asics pair for you.
The Gel-Venture 8 has a slightly narrower toe box compared to its earlier versions, such as the Venture 5 or 6 series.
As such, those with wider feet might need to get a size bigger to enjoy these shoes’ superb features.
It is perfect for runners with heavy heel strikes or under pronation who put more weight on the outer edge of their foot.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Made of tough materials
- Offers excellent heel protection
- Lightweight
Con:
- Narrow toe box
5. Asics Gel-Excite 8
Asics’ Gel-Excite 8 is sure to catch anyone’s eye with its vibrant colorway inspired by the positive influences of sports athletes.
So, not only can you stay active but also showcase your unique self during your runs.
Whether you want to do at-home workouts or traverse a light trail, you can rely on this pair to give you maximum comfort for various activities.
Review
The Asics Gel-Excite 8 has an improved heel design for a more accommodating and inclusive fit.
This technology also has a positive impact on stability and keeps you on the right track every time, regardless of where you land.
- Cushioning Technology
Asics defines cushioning perfectly with its GEL technology and AMPLIFOAM midsole.
The GEL technology offers an effective impact absorption at the heel, resulting in a spring-like motion that helps users to transition towards a push-off smoothly.
The AMPLIFOAM technology, which runs in the entire midsole, is engineered to maintain lightweight flexibility and control.
This breakthrough is designed to work with all 33 joints in the foot.
While running, both of these technologies keep the user’s feet sore-free and cushioned. A cradled heel-to-toe transition is therefore achieved, regardless of the terrain.
- Shoe Weight
The best running shoes for women over 50 should be not only comfortable but also lightweight.
Despite its cushioning, the Gel-Excite 8 shoe only weighs about 9.9 ounces per shoe. With this on your feet, you will feel more at ease with your run, and you can focus on every stride.
- Overall Comfort
Many runners claim that this shoe is comfortable for them even though it is not highly specialized to cater to high or low arches.
This might be because of the superior cushioning and comfort that comes with the pair.
The mesh upper is designed without overlays and unnecessary seams, so your foot can breathe freely with little to no restriction.
If you have custom inserts for additional support, this kick’s toe box has enough space to cater to them.
More importantly, the design of these shoes is great for people with wider feet and bunion sufferers. Even with these conditions, you can live an active lifestyle with the right pair of shoes.
Pros:
- Gel cushioning for heel strikes
- Wide toe box
- Breathable mesh upper
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Con:
- No specialized arch support
Which Pair Is Ideal for Runners Over 50?
Everyone’s feet vary in shape and size, and especially for older women over 50, one shoe model does not fit all.
As a runner in your 50s and beyond, the battle with hip, knee, and back pain can be a growing concern.
Therefore, you need to find the right combination of features to support your active lifestyle.
For our personal choice, the best running shoes for older women are the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10.
This pair boasts the perfect combination of what aging feet require: cushioning, weight, and comfort.
